FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Aerodynamics and Principles of FlightMedium
An airplane is loaded near its forward center of gravity (CG) limit for landing. Compared to a loading near the aft CG limit, what should the pilot expect during the landing flare?
- ANo difference in elevator authority or stall speed, since CG only affects longitudinal stability in cruise flight
- BA tendency for the nose to pitch up uncommanded as airspeed decreases during the flare
- CReduced elevator authority, requiring more aft control travel to flare, along with a slightly higher stall speed
- DIncreased elevator authority and a slightly lower stall speed during the flare
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Reduced elevator authority, requiring more aft control travel to flare, along with a slightly higher stall speed
A forward CG requires greater download on the tail to balance the nose-heavy condition, using up more available elevator authority and requiring more aft stick/yoke travel to reach the same pitch attitude. This added tail download effectively increases wing loading slightly, raising the stall speed compared to an aft CG loading.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Wrong — CG position directly affects elevator authority and stall speed in all phases of flight
- B. Wrong — forward CG tends to resist nose-up pitching, not promote it, due to increased stability
- D. Wrong — this describes the aft CG condition, not forward CG
Forward CG Effects
A forward center of gravity increases longitudinal stability but requires greater tail download, reducing available elevator authority and slightly raising stall speed compared to an aft CG.
- Forward CG: more stable, harder to stall/spin, but less elevator authority in flare
- Aft CG: less stable, easier to stall, more elevator authority available
- Forward CG often requires more back pressure/trim to flare or hold pitch attitude
Memory trick: Nose-heavy up front means the tail has to work harder to hold the nose up on flare